The eagle hasn't landed for all of us
#BWKM0 ND&B garden challenge
DAY 11
Today saw deep joy for two members of the 'garden collective', when a WHITE-TAILED EAGLE decided to go on a tour of south-east Kent this afternoon, happily taking in their gardens on its way. Marvellous stuff.
I was asked earlier today how many species that our gardens have recorded so far since lockdown, so I've collated them. OUR COMBINED TOTAL IS 91 SPECIES. This does not include, as far as I am aware, such 'common' birds as Little Owl, Kingfisher, Brambling, Redpoll, Crossbill and Yellowhammer; if any of our gardens that overlook the sea are recording sea-duck, waders or auks then please let me have a species list. Many thanks.
If you want to join our merry band, you would be very welcome. No hassle back garden birding if you prefer, or full-on and all-out competition - both just as valid. You can back-date your list to 20th March as well. Win, win.
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New entries
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Garden firsts
Other news from around the gardens
Gordon H (Redhill, Surrey) Has reached 29 species so far, including Cormorant and Common Buzzard. Expect more to come...
Reuben B (Tufnell Park, London) can thank Long-tailed Tit and Lesser Black-backed Gull for him reaching 32 species so far.
Richard P (Charmouth, Dorset) is now on 47 species, courtesy of Rook and Green Woodpecker.
Seth G (Uig, Skye) is up to 22 species, but believe me, some class is amongst them.
Stewart S (Howick, Northumberland) has been suffering from bitterly northerlies, but a hardy pair of Mallard and a Grey heron have taken him up to 43.
Steve G (Banstead, Surrey) is up to 45 species, purely through a clerical error!
Gavin H (Bridport, Dorset) is reporting a slow few days, but has had a Jay.
Stephen R (Harrogate, Yorks) - is up to 29 thanks to a Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Steve C (Guildford, Surrey) was celebrating the rare occurrence of a Stock Dove on the lawn - up to 33 species.
Martin C (Lydd, Kent) thought that Mediterranean Gull was going to be today's star turn - until that eagle came into view - 57 species.
DAY 11
Today saw deep joy for two members of the 'garden collective', when a WHITE-TAILED EAGLE decided to go on a tour of south-east Kent this afternoon, happily taking in their gardens on its way. Marvellous stuff.
I was asked earlier today how many species that our gardens have recorded so far since lockdown, so I've collated them. OUR COMBINED TOTAL IS 91 SPECIES. This does not include, as far as I am aware, such 'common' birds as Little Owl, Kingfisher, Brambling, Redpoll, Crossbill and Yellowhammer; if any of our gardens that overlook the sea are recording sea-duck, waders or auks then please let me have a species list. Many thanks.
If you want to join our merry band, you would be very welcome. No hassle back garden birding if you prefer, or full-on and all-out competition - both just as valid. You can back-date your list to 20th March as well. Win, win.
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New entries
Bob S (Worcester Park, Greater London)
Garden list of 86 species.
Highlights include Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and Short-eared Owl.
Gordon H (Redhill, Surrey)
Garden list of 80 species.
Highlights include Hen Harrier, Kingfisher, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Firecrest.
Gill H (Tenterden, Kent)
Garden list of 60 species.
Oscar D (Chiswick, London)
Garden list of 67 species.
Highlights include Gannet, Little Egret and Wheatear.
Robin S (Cranleigh, Surrey)
Garden list of 101 species.
Highlights include Little Egret, Goosander, Goshawk, Oystercatcher, Common Tern, Turtle Dove.
This brings our 'garden collective' up to 35.
Garden list of 86 species.
Highlights include Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and Short-eared Owl.
Gordon H (Redhill, Surrey)
Garden list of 80 species.
Highlights include Hen Harrier, Kingfisher, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Firecrest.
Gill H (Tenterden, Kent)
Garden list of 60 species.
Oscar D (Chiswick, London)
Garden list of 67 species.
Highlights include Gannet, Little Egret and Wheatear.
Robin S (Cranleigh, Surrey)
Garden list of 101 species.
Highlights include Little Egret, Goosander, Goshawk, Oystercatcher, Common Tern, Turtle Dove.
This brings our 'garden collective' up to 35.
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Garden firsts
Chris P (Walland Marsh, Kent) - WHITE-TAILED EAGLE
Martin C (Lydd, Kent) - WHITE-TAILED EAGLE
Dave P (Shoreham, West Sussex) - Gannet
Geoff B (Chessington, Surrey) - Egyptian Goose
There have now been 18 garden firsts across the competition.
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Garden focus
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Martin C (Lydd, Kent) - WHITE-TAILED EAGLE
Dave P (Shoreham, West Sussex) - Gannet
Geoff B (Chessington, Surrey) - Egyptian Goose
There have now been 18 garden firsts across the competition.
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Garden focus
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| Ian K (Leigh, Surrey) backs onto farmland - a garden with plenty of potential. |
Other news from around the gardens
Gordon H (Redhill, Surrey) Has reached 29 species so far, including Cormorant and Common Buzzard. Expect more to come...
Reuben B (Tufnell Park, London) can thank Long-tailed Tit and Lesser Black-backed Gull for him reaching 32 species so far.
Richard P (Charmouth, Dorset) is now on 47 species, courtesy of Rook and Green Woodpecker.
Seth G (Uig, Skye) is up to 22 species, but believe me, some class is amongst them.
Stewart S (Howick, Northumberland) has been suffering from bitterly northerlies, but a hardy pair of Mallard and a Grey heron have taken him up to 43.
Steve G (Banstead, Surrey) is up to 45 species, purely through a clerical error!
Gavin H (Bridport, Dorset) is reporting a slow few days, but has had a Jay.
Stephen R (Harrogate, Yorks) - is up to 29 thanks to a Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Steve C (Guildford, Surrey) was celebrating the rare occurrence of a Stock Dove on the lawn - up to 33 species.
Martin C (Lydd, Kent) thought that Mediterranean Gull was going to be today's star turn - until that eagle came into view - 57 species.
Comments
Lockdown total 35 including new sighting, snipe
Highlights, plenty of raptors, mostly buzzards but have had red kite and peregrine over along with the local kestrel and sparrowhawks
Waders: Nil Beach still too busy and little if any movement along the coast so far
Auks: None seen yet.
Richard P
Ruckinge garden list is 107 species, with Osprey, White Stork, Short-eared Owl and Kingfisher highlights.
New lockdown birds today were Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier and Long-tailed Tit, bringing total since last week to 38
regards, Bernard Boothroyd